San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Felipe del Morro Castle

In the far north-west of the city, on Punta del Moro Cape, stands the most imposing example of the Spanish school of fortifications-Fuerte San Felipe del Morro Fort, guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay. Considered one of the largest and most advanced fortresses in the Caribbean Sea, this stronghold was built by Spanish engineers over more than 200 years. This massive structure has withstood countless attacks, including well-known ones such as the pirate fleet raids led by Francis Drake in 1595. The fort’s majestic walls rise 42 metres above the waters of the Atlantic, while within its depths lie countless barracks, galleries, dungeons, and firing positions-many of them simply carved into the rocky ground of the cape. Fuerte San Felipe del Morro is a National Historic Landmark and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Fort San Cristóbal

The northeastern end of the Old City is sheltered by the second fortress in this system-Fuerte San Cristóbal. This majestic fort was built between 1634 and 1790 and originally covered an area of 27 acres (the largest fortification complex built by the Spanish in the New World). Today, tourists can freely explore its maze-like structures and the nearly six-kilometer network of secret tunnels, trenches, and prisoner holding areas within the depths of its 45-meter walls, from which there is a wonderful panoramic view of San Juan and its bays. Fuerte San Cristóbal is a National Historic Landmark and has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza Fortress, or the Palace of Santa Catalina, is the oldest functioning residence and the seat of government, where the governor of Puerto Rico currently lives and works. The fortress was built between 1533 and 1540 to protect the port of San Juan from attacks. In October 1960, the fortress was designated a National Historic Landmark of the United States. In 1983, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Originally, the fortification structure consisted of four walls and an inner courtyard adjacent to the Tower of Respect. A South Tower was built soon after. The castle is surrounded by high walls overlooking the San Juan Bay, and within the complex’s northern part there are lovely gardens and a swimming pool.

Cathedral (Cathedral of the Cathedral)

San Juan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in San Juan, the oldest building in the entire city and the second-oldest church in all of the Americas, after the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in the Dominican Republic. It is the seat of the Archbishop of San Juan. The first original wooden church building, built in 1521, was destroyed by a hurricane, so a new cathedral was constructed on the site in 1540. Over the following centuries, it was renovated and reshaped more than once. The cathedral houses the tomb of the great Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León, who founded the first European settlement in Puerto Rico. Particular attention should be given to relics such as the jewelry and clothing of John Paul II, which he wore during his visit to the country in 1984.

Old San Juan

The entire Old Town, literally teeming with buildings and structures from the 16th-17th centuries, today is a National Historic Zone and a major attraction for countless tourists. The Old Town feels most like an open-air museum, where darkened buildings from the Spanish colonial era are gathered-many of which, above all the area around the Placa del Cinto Sentenario, are considered the best-preserved example of this style in the Western Hemisphere. Here, steep, narrow streets are paved with smooth blocks known as “adekines,” while the pastel-colored building facades and balconies with wrought-iron railings-clad in flowering plants-seem as if they’ve stepped out of the pages of classic Spanish literature.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

The Bacardi factory in San Juan is one of the largest rum-producing factories in the world. Originally, the Bacardi company was founded in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardi Massó in Santiago de Cuba, and 75 years later it was recreated in San Juan. Visitors to the factory can enjoy a historical interactive journey, learn about the brand’s history and the features of family production. They will see the entire process of rum production and a demonstration of making rum cocktails. All visitors are sure to be invited to a tasting of the drink in a special tropical pavilion. The factory also has a shop where visitors can buy memorable souvenirs and genuine rum.

Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde is a new popular micro-district of San Juan, located on the shore of a cozy bay. Although Playa Isla Verde is an urban beach, the coastline and the seabed here are of very good quality. The beach’s reputation can be compared only to the famous Copacabana. The beach is large enough that there’s room for everyone-families with children, lovers of active recreation, and tourists who prefer a calm, relaxed time. Isla Verde is a fairly wide and beautifully long beach.

Culebra Island

Used by pirates for more than three hundred years, the island was officially discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. The island has numerous beaches, among which the following stand out: Playa Resaca beach, the snow-white Flamenco Beach, the beautiful Playa Zoni and Playa Brava beaches, which were established in 1909. For diving enthusiasts, dive centers are available here. Also among the attractions, the Culebra National Park can be highlighted. The island’s main advantage is its beautiful reefs along the coast, part of which is included in the National Park. You can reach the island by ferry, which runs several times a day.

City Beaches

One of the undoubted advantages of San Juan is its city beaches. Playa Escambrón is an excellent public beach near the Old Town. There are many palm trees on the beach and a good entry into the water, and it also has a free shower and toilet. An artificial breakwater protects the shore from waves. Ocean Park is the best beach in the city. Compared to other areas of the city, it stands out for the absence of high-rise development. Condado is the most famous beach in Puerto Rico. Today it is more of a beach complex, and their quality is extremely uneven. There are several good areas, including Playito del Condado beach in the far western part of Condado.

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is located on Calle del Cristo, in the historic center of Old San Juan. The entire three-story building is home to interactive and educational exhibits for every taste-through them, children and even adults can learn more about the world and have a great time. The museum’s largest exhibit is a huge volcano in the center of the building, which erupts from time to time. Every hall of the museum will help you see your own abilities and talents in a new way: here you can design your own race car or take part in a role-play game and feel like a doctor or a supermarket worker.

Old Town of San Juan

During the excursion, you will visit the San Felipe del Morro fortress, from where the San Cristóbal fortress can be seen. You will admire the beautiful Catholic Cathedral, where the first Governor of Puerto Rico is buried. You will visit La Fortaleza - the oldest still functioning residence and the country’s government house, where the current governor works. You will stroll through the streets of the Old City, see historic churches and houses of San Juan, and learn a lot of interesting facts about one of the region’s most beautiful cities.

El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque’s humid tropical forest, or the Caribbean National Forest, located in the north-east of Puerto Rico, is a national pride of the country. It is one of the few humid tropical forests that have survived in the Caribbean islands. Forest landscapes are adorned with hundreds of picturesque waterfalls. The largest of them-the La Mina waterfall-is one of El Yunque’s main attractions, and you can swim in the pool near the waterfall. About 400 species of exotic and tropical trees grow within the forest, and unique dwarf orchids are also found here. In El Yunque forests, disappearing species have made their home, including frogs “Rico,” known as “coki.” Few tourists have seen them, but their presence can easily be felt by the sound. Coki reach a length of no more than 5 centimeters. But they produce such loud “co-ki” sounds, which is where their name comes from, that even a small colony of frogs can stun a person. You can explore the park on your own or together with a guided tour.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.